I’m a Democrat. so I’m pretty happy today, especially about Illinois. but I’m worried. not just because the Tribune says it’s our mess to handle now. but because of 57.3%. that’s the percentage the President got in Illinois. Not 70.2% like Hawaii. Or 67% like Vermont. Or even 62.7% like NY. Less. So what does that mean statewide? the next big election. Will someone like Cong. Schock be unacceptable because of reproductive choice? Look at the last governor’s race, how close it was, so, what really matters when it comes to a governor’s race? and look how the infighting can go on in one party, Quinn vs. Rahm, Madigan vs. well, lots of people. and that can be destructive. so it’s not a time to be giddy. it’s a time to get to work.
- Diogenes in DuPage - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:51 am:
As a Democrat, met my expectations. How this election will exceed my expectations is if everything holds true and the proposed Constitutional Amendment fails as currently projected.
The Madigan map worked exactly as planned. Republicans now need to replace Bradley, Cross and Radogno. Did it seem like unopposed ILGA Republicans sat this one out completely?
It’s Gov Quinn who should be worried about that 57 percent, if that’s all a popular native son incumbent could manage. When thinking about the gubernatorial race upcoming here, Democrats have to wonder if Quinn is too much of a risk. Especially if he persists in the cost shift, making his income tax increase permanent, soaking state retirees, and so on. Being such a waffler doesn’t help either. What is he going to do next? Who knows. And might he change his mind at the last minute.
When the dust settles, one of the biggest stories will be the flat-out repudiation of the super PACs and I, for one, could not be happier. My only lament is that they didn’t spend MORE money and lose.
Democrats are alive and well in Rock Island County!
So excited about Congresswoman Bustos. Not overly surprised Mike Jacobs pulled it off. However, I am SHOCKED that Smiddy pulled though. All is right with the world, Democrats dominated in the county.
At the State level, I would like to think the R’s learned that saying No is not enough. Hope that doesn’t translate into simply disappearing. They need to work harder to provide thoughtful solutions - ex. why Fortner’s pension bill wasn’t front and center as their solution is beyond me.
Illinois Repulicans need to have a hard look in the mirror, especially regarding their tea party allies and their image to minorities. Either this animal becomes relevant or faces extinction long term.
Acording to the SJ-R article I read a coupel of hours ago, the amendment failed to get either 50% of the total vote or 60% of the votes cast on the amendment. Think the article said it hit 55% of votes cast on just the amendment. If that was a final number, it failed.
Results in Washington and Colorado suggest that the legalization of marijuana is an actual possibility in the not too distant future in the US, something I thought I’d never see. Do I smoke it? No. Do I think the potential fiscal benefits are huge. Yes.
CO & WA ended cannabis prohibition as expected, hopefully the feds will let states pursue this line of much needed revenue. IL should follow suit and additionally allow farmers to grow hemp once again.
Super majorities and a dem governor probably means even worse gridlock than we have now. Every legislator’s vote becomes more important and the gov becomes even more irrelevant. Some really decent repub legislators lost yesterday. I’m not exactly jumping for joy today. Let the gubernatorial race begin.
Cassandra, nor do I, but perhaps someone could arrange to have some dropped off at Tom Cross’ office, or better yet at whatever course he is playing today?
As a D in what is mostly an R county it was nice to see Chicago keep IL in the Blue. Hated to see Davis beat Gill. I thought the last ads by Davis were really low. One of the few races where the Right Wing super pacs seem to have got their moneys worth. Gill would not have been my Rep so no skin in the game from that standpoint. I am stuck with Boy Wonder Schock. I hope he does the run for the Governors job. Let’s see how he does in a real race.
- Old and In the Way - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:22 am:
I tthink the lesson the GOP takes away from this is that they must scream louder.
Are you serious? Their problem wasn’t the volume of their message….it was the lack of content in their message!
At the national level, it’s apparrent the public still wants a split government since they left the GOP in control of the House. To me, that means nothing big will get done if Obama continues his “my way or the highway” governing by executive order and trying to bypass Congress. If he really meant what he said in his speech last night and can learn to compromise and work the House, he might get something done … but I’m not hopeful there. At least two more yeras of drifting …
At the State level, the Dems have it all. Now let’s see if they can actually manage fixing the pensions in a constitutional manner. Again, based on what I heard a few weeks ago, I’m betting they continue with the current plan to pass unconsitutional reform (the COLA / Insurance choice bill) in the lame duck session the first week of January, call it fixed, spend the “savings”, and then end up in a bigger hole in a year after the courts toss it all out. They’ll have wasted the one opportunity they have to reform the revenue side before they start running for re-election.
In other words, politics as usual for the next two years … but it will keep the Rich’s of the world employed.
Old and In the Way,
I’d like to introduce you to my friend. His name is sarcasm. Apparently the two of you have never met.
- Victor Kingston - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:27 am:
DuPage county was the surprise of the night. Not because it happened, but because the expansion of the Generation X, Y, and millennials into the collar counties and beyond is happening at a much faster rate then I thought it would. Great news for Democrats. The faster those groups get out of Chicago and college towns, the faster the Dems map expands.
two states…Washington and Colorado… have more liberal marijuana laws than any country in the world.
so, once and for all, can we remember that hemp is not marijuana so we are not going as far as those two states if we get a good crop bill..legal hemp… for the State of Illinois?
- Victor Kingston - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:30 am:
RNUG- I assume you also sent off a quick note to Mitch McConnell asking him to perhaps play slightly nicer with the Filibuster in the Senate? Or do you really just miss 2010-11 where it was the White House doing all giving and little of the taking.
RNUG- If you need more revenue, simply increase taxes? At this point there is really no penalty for doing so anyway.One of the messages here is if you choose to increase the tax rate, it’s a win-win proposition. fixed!
What?? The election’s over?? Ah, so that explains it…..
I hadn’t heard a Davis or Gill ad for several hours and I was afraid I was going deaf.
- Old and In the Way - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:36 am:
Pleased to make your acquaintance sarcasm!
I live in a solidly red region and all I have heard for three months are loud and angry voices repeating empty slogans and dire predictions. Sorry, but I thought you were serious. Listening to whackos like Plummer and others down here can get to you after a while.
== Super majorities and a dem governor probably means even worse gridlock than we have now.==
Bill, I’m going to be somewhat optimistic this morning and say the opposite. I think this will spur some action on a few issues. Madigan and Cullerton will feel some urgency to produce some results. I see gay and lesbian marriage passing in the veto session, for one, and there will be some pension reform also passing. It probably won’t please people on the edges of the spectrum on both sides, but something will pass. Quinn is a wild card, of course, but if Madigan and Cullerton can come to agreements, he won’t be in a very strong position and you could see quite a bit accomplished in the spring. Madigan in particular knows that a super-majority is at its highest value in the first session after an election.
- western illinois - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:43 am:
RNUG I dont see the votes on pension in lame duck.
They have supermajority but many of those were plegdes not to do the cost shift.
The GOP is at dead ender numbers I dont see that they are going to compromise on anything
The maps worked at all levels
Big Winners Computerized map making and good polls
Dear Republicans, you face compromise or ultimate oblivion, I’ll be happy whatever your decision.
- western illinois - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:45 am:
I just caught headline Tribune Bleak future for Illinois
How about Bleak Future for Tribune
- The Other Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:46 am:
RNUG, you are reading too much into the status quo at the congressional level. First, a Dem pickup of a couple seats on the Senate is pretty amazing when you look at the seats that were up. Second, the status quo in the US House was maintained only because of redistricting. I think you would have seen a bigger D gain in the House nationally under the old districts. On the other hand, in the few states like Illinois where the Dems drew favorable districts, you saw a huge shift in favor of Democrats.
I can’t type what I’m thinking on this thread or else Rich would ban me for life.
What are the the voters in the Metro East thinking?! The Dems have failed them at all levels of government and yet they gave them MORE power. Dwight Kay, who has worked hard and walked many precincts, could wind up losing to Maureen Frigging Suarez if enough absentee and military ballots come back in Ms. Suarez’s favor. Unreal.
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:52 am:
Hmm…Mayor Rahm, gloating does not become you.
Oh and, Pat Brady, there’s the door.
So now that the Democrats have retained both the house and senate, what will be different? They already controlled the house and senate before this election. So how does this make anything better?
- The Lumber Baron - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:53 am:
Ok guys the games are over…I dumped a lot of money into this son and I have to be back at the bank at one. You guys both can have the day off but I expect you both back at the yard in the morning. And another thing, I don’t wanna hear from that Willy fella any more Jason.
Republicans - you guys are doing fine. Seriously. RedState.com is right, you should totally get candidates who are even more conservative, and Mitt Romney was too liberal also. These guys here on Capitol Fax are just messing with your heads. Reverse psychology type stuff. Remember, if it wasn’t for the RINO’s, you guys would be right in there. Seriously.
DuPage has not been hit as hard as others by the economy. So, social issues played a bigger role in this election. Rightfully, most DuPage residents repudiated the right wing, tea party, anti-abortion, god squad, used their brains and balanced the economy vs. social rights. More and more of them picked social rights. Time to wisen up Republicans. All of these votes can be yours if you drop the social lunacy. But….I’m afraid you’re too dumb to do so. Blow up the whole party and start fresh…with philosophies rooted in 2012…not 1950.
Don’t worry, the radio Repubs are already claiming that we need more conservatives because Romney, Biggert and Dold were not real conservatives, apparently the losses by Bachmann, Walsh George Allen and more were just flukes.
In Illinois, as long as one party is playing chess and the other party is trying to eat the cards in candyland we are going to have more nights like last.
Pat Brady and Kevin Artl are veritable geniuses. Since the “Fire Madigan” campaign worked so well this year, maybe they can fire it up again in ‘14 or ‘16.
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
I only predicted the next two years … until the next election. I don’t really read anybody disputing that.
Nationally, I think what happens then will depend on the economy the next year and whether the GOP can get it’s act together.
At the State level, in the next election I think the Dems will keep what they have in the GA. The big question is the Gov; will there be a different Dem Gov (likely) or will there be a viabale GOP candidate (less likely)?
Yes, TooManyJens is right! You should totally give the people more thoughts on rape. Female voters completely admire elderly male politicians not compromising their , um, beliefs and stuff. Oh, and this whole day was caused by voter fraud.
You know what else? NOT ENOUGH SARAH PALIN. You guys should totally get her back from Alaska and put her on TV stations not named Fox news more often. She could have gotten you even more white male voters, but nooooooo - you just had to go and leave her in Wasilla, didn’t you?
Actually, I just made that point on the phone to my mom a couple of minutes ago. They could wait and run it through early in the next GA, maybe easier. Depends on whether they want to try to pick up some GOP votes so it has a bit of “bi-partisan” cover … it will all be about the sound bites for the next campaign.
Time for the Republican Party to sober up (me too, but that’s not as important).
The GOP had no business losing this election, not with this dreary economy. The fact of the matter is that today’s GOP is too extreme for most of America, especially the Yankees.
Gov. Romney would have been a heck of a president — if he didn’t have to reject everything he stood for to get the GOP nomination.
The GOP cast out Lugar for Mourdock. That’s insane.
Come back to your Midwestern roots, GOP. The country needs you.
IL GOP/Tom Cross: That whole “Fire Madigan” thing didn’t work out so well. Perhaps a new strategy shall be in the works to make yourselves relevant? Or maybe Pat Brady’s unhealthy obsession with the Speaker is just too strong. I guess we’ll see in the coming weeks and months.
Tribune edit board/John Kass: I guess this means that voters just don’t give a flip about your thoughts on life and politics, much of them based on your own unhealthy obsession with the Speaker. Get over yourselves or go away. Better yet, do both.
Kathleen Willis staff: Phenomenal job. You earned every ounce of this victory and your hard work paid off huge. Many, many people are eating a lot of crow right now.
I’m moving to the State of washington, thanks to the voters approving cannabis for recreational purposes. Washington was also the first state to implement “budgeting for results”, maybe they have something going on our there.
- Harry Chronic Jr - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 11:06 am:
OR Measure 80 would have been nice to see pass, as it was by far the most generous of the 3 marijuana measures. I’m ecstatic with 2 out of 3 though.
I think it’s time for us to live up to our Major State status and get, at bare mimimum, medical marijuana passed next year. Hell, during Veto if we can. Or just pick up the text to CO’s law, scribble in “Illinois” and put it up for a vote.
Mitt Romney threw away the election the day he chose the ultra conservative Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential running mate. Ryan is opposed to Medicare, Social Security, Teacher’s Unions and Women’s rights. He lost a lot of votes and for the Republican Party.
Once again, Nate Silver called them all just about right. The dude knows his math.
Unlike buffoons such as Dick Morris and Karl Rove who kept calling a GOP landslide until the end.
By the way, Cincy, you’ll let us know when Romney hits 53% and the Ohio provisionals are counted?
- Logic not emotion - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 3:38 pm:
I’m not surprised at the election results. I am disappointed though. For some strange reason, the most liberal states and the nation under liberal leadership seem to be in much more dire economic conditions. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
This state and nation continue to plunge into worse financial conditions and then have voters reward them. Mind boggling concept to an old idealist. I think the results clearly show that voters apparently don’t really care about incompetence or corruption in their public officials. It was widely known that Ryan and Blagojevich were both corrupt before their second term and they were reelected. Now we have Smith and others proving it wasn’t a fluke.
I believe it was JFK who did the “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” to appeal to patriotism and altruism.
My impression is that we as a state and as a nation are now firmly on the opposite track and that causes me great anxiety for the future of this nation.
We want to eliminate government. Everything should and will eventually be enterprise/free market. We will have for profit schools, for profit social security, for profit roads, for profit everything. Muah-ha-ha-ha-ah….excellent.
We will keep government, only the department of defense, so we can continue to spend trilions of dollars which will continue to make our campaign contributors rich who will also continue to fuel the tea party movement. If we have to, we will create another foreign issue that will be addressed by military intervention. Mu-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
- Waffle Fries - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:46 am:
Is my math wrong, or is it SM in both the House and Senate for the dems…
- MontgomeryCo - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:48 am:
The Democrats have a simple majority in the Senate. The Republicans have a simple majority in the House.
- TooManyJens - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:50 am:
I think Waffle Fries meant the state legislature.
- amalia - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:50 am:
I’m a Democrat. so I’m pretty happy today, especially about Illinois. but I’m worried. not just because the Tribune says it’s our mess to handle now. but because of 57.3%. that’s the percentage the President got in Illinois. Not 70.2% like Hawaii. Or 67% like Vermont. Or even 62.7% like NY. Less. So what does that mean statewide? the next big election. Will someone like Cong. Schock be unacceptable because of reproductive choice? Look at the last governor’s race, how close it was, so, what really matters when it comes to a governor’s race? and look how the infighting can go on in one party, Quinn vs. Rahm, Madigan vs. well, lots of people. and that can be destructive. so it’s not a time to be giddy. it’s a time to get to work.
- Diogenes in DuPage - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:51 am:
Romney by 303 EV.
- MontgomeryCo - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:52 am:
I think you are right, TMJ. My mind was stuck on Congress because that is what I was just reading.
- GA Watcher - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:54 am:
Waffle Fries: If you are talking about the State House, both the House and Senate Democrats will have veto-proof majorities.
- Dirt Diver - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:55 am:
As a Democrat, met my expectations. How this election will exceed my expectations is if everything holds true and the proposed Constitutional Amendment fails as currently projected.
- Sideliner - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:58 am:
The Madigan map worked exactly as planned. Republicans now need to replace Bradley, Cross and Radogno. Did it seem like unopposed ILGA Republicans sat this one out completely?
- cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:58 am:
It’s Gov Quinn who should be worried about that 57 percent, if that’s all a popular native son incumbent could manage. When thinking about the gubernatorial race upcoming here, Democrats have to wonder if Quinn is too much of a risk. Especially if he persists in the cost shift, making his income tax increase permanent, soaking state retirees, and so on. Being such a waffler doesn’t help either. What is he going to do next? Who knows. And might he change his mind at the last minute.
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:59 am:
When the dust settles, one of the biggest stories will be the flat-out repudiation of the super PACs and I, for one, could not be happier. My only lament is that they didn’t spend MORE money and lose.
- UISer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:01 am:
Democrats are alive and well in Rock Island County!
So excited about Congresswoman Bustos. Not overly surprised Mike Jacobs pulled it off. However, I am SHOCKED that Smiddy pulled though. All is right with the world, Democrats dominated in the county.
- Waffle Fries - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:01 am:
Yep, meant the Illinois statehouse. Thanks for the confirmations. Ahhhh how fun to manage a super-majority….
- Montrose - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:03 am:
Anyone have a link to a nice neat list of all the IL legislature results?
- archimedes - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:04 am:
At the State level, I would like to think the R’s learned that saying No is not enough. Hope that doesn’t translate into simply disappearing. They need to work harder to provide thoughtful solutions - ex. why Fortner’s pension bill wasn’t front and center as their solution is beyond me.
- Madison - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:06 am:
Illinois Repulicans need to have a hard look in the mirror, especially regarding their tea party allies and their image to minorities. Either this animal becomes relevant or faces extinction long term.
- Lester Holt's Mustache - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:09 am:
I’m just gonna go ahead and give all the credit for Congressman Enyart’s win to Oswego Willy.
- Annon - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:11 am:
Artl and Cross are done. Good riddens to what has been a lack luster career for both. Good bye.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:13 am:
Dirt Diver @ 8:55 am:
Acording to the SJ-R article I read a coupel of hours ago, the amendment failed to get either 50% of the total vote or 60% of the votes cast on the amendment. Think the article said it hit 55% of votes cast on just the amendment. If that was a final number, it failed.
- Bigtwich - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:14 am:
DuPage County
Barack Obama D 197411 49.57%
Mitt Romney R 193333 48.54%
What is going on?
- cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:14 am:
Results in Washington and Colorado suggest that the legalization of marijuana is an actual possibility in the not too distant future in the US, something I thought I’d never see. Do I smoke it? No. Do I think the potential fiscal benefits are huge. Yes.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:16 am:
Bigtwitch, A lot of ppl like Obama. People are moving from the city to the burbs and taking their voting patterns with them.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:17 am:
I think the lesson the GOP takes away from this is that they must scream louder.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:17 am:
Perinneal losers Duckworth and Oberwies both won! I hear the John Cox’s war machine ramping up for 2014!
- dan linn - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:18 am:
CO & WA ended cannabis prohibition as expected, hopefully the feds will let states pursue this line of much needed revenue. IL should follow suit and additionally allow farmers to grow hemp once again.
- Bill - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:19 am:
Super majorities and a dem governor probably means even worse gridlock than we have now. Every legislator’s vote becomes more important and the gov becomes even more irrelevant. Some really decent repub legislators lost yesterday. I’m not exactly jumping for joy today. Let the gubernatorial race begin.
- Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:19 am:
Great day for Pat Brady.
- Madison - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:19 am:
Cassandra, nor do I, but perhaps someone could arrange to have some dropped off at Tom Cross’ office, or better yet at whatever course he is playing today?
- Bemused - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:21 am:
As a D in what is mostly an R county it was nice to see Chicago keep IL in the Blue. Hated to see Davis beat Gill. I thought the last ads by Davis were really low. One of the few races where the Right Wing super pacs seem to have got their moneys worth. Gill would not have been my Rep so no skin in the game from that standpoint. I am stuck with Boy Wonder Schock. I hope he does the run for the Governors job. Let’s see how he does in a real race.
- Old and In the Way - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:22 am:
I tthink the lesson the GOP takes away from this is that they must scream louder.
Are you serious? Their problem wasn’t the volume of their message….it was the lack of content in their message!
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:23 am:
At the national level, it’s apparrent the public still wants a split government since they left the GOP in control of the House. To me, that means nothing big will get done if Obama continues his “my way or the highway” governing by executive order and trying to bypass Congress. If he really meant what he said in his speech last night and can learn to compromise and work the House, he might get something done … but I’m not hopeful there. At least two more yeras of drifting …
At the State level, the Dems have it all. Now let’s see if they can actually manage fixing the pensions in a constitutional manner. Again, based on what I heard a few weeks ago, I’m betting they continue with the current plan to pass unconsitutional reform (the COLA / Insurance choice bill) in the lame duck session the first week of January, call it fixed, spend the “savings”, and then end up in a bigger hole in a year after the courts toss it all out. They’ll have wasted the one opportunity they have to reform the revenue side before they start running for re-election.
In other words, politics as usual for the next two years … but it will keep the Rich’s of the world employed.
- Dan Seals - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:24 am:
I should’ve ran this year.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:25 am:
Old and In the Way,
I’d like to introduce you to my friend. His name is sarcasm. Apparently the two of you have never met.
- Victor Kingston - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:27 am:
DuPage county was the surprise of the night. Not because it happened, but because the expansion of the Generation X, Y, and millennials into the collar counties and beyond is happening at a much faster rate then I thought it would. Great news for Democrats. The faster those groups get out of Chicago and college towns, the faster the Dems map expands.
- amalia - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:30 am:
two states…Washington and Colorado… have more liberal marijuana laws than any country in the world.
so, once and for all, can we remember that hemp is not marijuana so we are not going as far as those two states if we get a good crop bill..legal hemp… for the State of Illinois?
- Victor Kingston - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:30 am:
RNUG- I assume you also sent off a quick note to Mitch McConnell asking him to perhaps play slightly nicer with the Filibuster in the Senate? Or do you really just miss 2010-11 where it was the White House doing all giving and little of the taking.
- Madison - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:32 am:
RNUG- If you need more revenue, simply increase taxes? At this point there is really no penalty for doing so anyway.One of the messages here is if you choose to increase the tax rate, it’s a win-win proposition. fixed!
- pipersls - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:34 am:
What?? The election’s over?? Ah, so that explains it…..
I hadn’t heard a Davis or Gill ad for several hours and I was afraid I was going deaf.
- Old and In the Way - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:36 am:
Pleased to make your acquaintance sarcasm!
I live in a solidly red region and all I have heard for three months are loud and angry voices repeating empty slogans and dire predictions. Sorry, but I thought you were serious. Listening to whackos like Plummer and others down here can get to you after a while.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:37 am:
I think we need to take a hard long look at stuff…
I worry we are going to walk away with the wrong conclusions.
- Dirt Diver - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:37 am:
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na Hey-Hey-Hey Goodbye Sandy Cole and Richard Morthland. You and your narrow minds will not be missed.
- Spliff - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:38 am:
Today I am reminded of a line from a great movie …”They took the bar, the whole &$@*ing bar!”
- Dirt Diver - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:38 am:
Also, does this mean we can finally completely ignore the Senate Republicans?
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:39 am:
Dear Koch Brothers, we much prefer Pepsi.
Dear Now or Never PAC, it’s Never!
Dear Karl Rove and American Crossroads, We came to the intersection and hung a left.
Dear Freedomworks…yes it does.
Dear Tea Party Patriots…You’re not, and we prefer our coffee black!
Dear Mitt Scam-ney and Paul Lyin, I’ve got one way tickets to the Caymans for you. Call me at 1-800-CRY_MORE.
- TooManyJens - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:41 am:
Only if we reform the filibuster, Dirt Diver.
- OldSmoky2 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:42 am:
== Super majorities and a dem governor probably means even worse gridlock than we have now.==
Bill, I’m going to be somewhat optimistic this morning and say the opposite. I think this will spur some action on a few issues. Madigan and Cullerton will feel some urgency to produce some results. I see gay and lesbian marriage passing in the veto session, for one, and there will be some pension reform also passing. It probably won’t please people on the edges of the spectrum on both sides, but something will pass. Quinn is a wild card, of course, but if Madigan and Cullerton can come to agreements, he won’t be in a very strong position and you could see quite a bit accomplished in the spring. Madigan in particular knows that a super-majority is at its highest value in the first session after an election.
- western illinois - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:43 am:
RNUG I dont see the votes on pension in lame duck.
They have supermajority but many of those were plegdes not to do the cost shift.
The GOP is at dead ender numbers I dont see that they are going to compromise on anything
The maps worked at all levels
Big Winners Computerized map making and good polls
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:45 am:
Dear Republicans, you face compromise or ultimate oblivion, I’ll be happy whatever your decision.
- western illinois - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:45 am:
I just caught headline Tribune Bleak future for Illinois
How about Bleak Future for Tribune
- The Other Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:46 am:
RNUG, you are reading too much into the status quo at the congressional level. First, a Dem pickup of a couple seats on the Senate is pretty amazing when you look at the seats that were up. Second, the status quo in the US House was maintained only because of redistricting. I think you would have seen a bigger D gain in the House nationally under the old districts. On the other hand, in the few states like Illinois where the Dems drew favorable districts, you saw a huge shift in favor of Democrats.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:48 am:
I can’t type what I’m thinking on this thread or else Rich would ban me for life.
What are the the voters in the Metro East thinking?! The Dems have failed them at all levels of government and yet they gave them MORE power. Dwight Kay, who has worked hard and walked many precincts, could wind up losing to Maureen Frigging Suarez if enough absentee and military ballots come back in Ms. Suarez’s favor. Unreal.
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:52 am:
Hmm…Mayor Rahm, gloating does not become you.
Oh and, Pat Brady, there’s the door.
- confused - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:52 am:
So now that the Democrats have retained both the house and senate, what will be different? They already controlled the house and senate before this election. So how does this make anything better?
- The Lumber Baron - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:53 am:
Ok guys the games are over…I dumped a lot of money into this son and I have to be back at the bank at one. You guys both can have the day off but I expect you both back at the yard in the morning. And another thing, I don’t wanna hear from that Willy fella any more Jason.
- mokenavince - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:55 am:
Obama’s Mid-West fire wall worked.I can smell the
cookin, the Mid-West will rise again.
Let’s hear it for the original Big Ten, not counting Indiana the Hoosiers are always on
the wrong side.
- John A Logan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:55 am:
Still blinded by the flash of light from the Democratic nuclear bomb that went off last night.
- Lester Holt's Mustache - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:55 am:
Guys, guys, guys, shhhhhh…….
Republicans - you guys are doing fine. Seriously. RedState.com is right, you should totally get candidates who are even more conservative, and Mitt Romney was too liberal also. These guys here on Capitol Fax are just messing with your heads. Reverse psychology type stuff. Remember, if it wasn’t for the RINO’s, you guys would be right in there. Seriously.
- DuPage Moderate - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:56 am:
DuPage has not been hit as hard as others by the economy. So, social issues played a bigger role in this election. Rightfully, most DuPage residents repudiated the right wing, tea party, anti-abortion, god squad, used their brains and balanced the economy vs. social rights. More and more of them picked social rights. Time to wisen up Republicans. All of these votes can be yours if you drop the social lunacy. But….I’m afraid you’re too dumb to do so. Blow up the whole party and start fresh…with philosophies rooted in 2012…not 1950.
- Bakersfield - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:56 am:
Don’t worry, the radio Repubs are already claiming that we need more conservatives because Romney, Biggert and Dold were not real conservatives, apparently the losses by Bachmann, Walsh George Allen and more were just flukes.
In Illinois, as long as one party is playing chess and the other party is trying to eat the cards in candyland we are going to have more nights like last.
- TooManyJens - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 9:59 am:
==and the other party is trying to eat the cards in candyland==
Classic.
To LHM’s advice to Republicans, I can only add: Tell us more about your true thoughts on rape. That works out really well for you.
- reformer - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:02 am:
Pat Brady and Kevin Artl are veritable geniuses. Since the “Fire Madigan” campaign worked so well this year, maybe they can fire it up again in ‘14 or ‘16.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:03 am:
Just keep telling myself…
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
Their gubernatorial primary is going to be brutal
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:07 am:
“This is all Madigan’s fault.”
Pat Brady
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:08 am:
The Other Anonymous @ 9:46 am
I only predicted the next two years … until the next election. I don’t really read anybody disputing that.
Nationally, I think what happens then will depend on the economy the next year and whether the GOP can get it’s act together.
At the State level, in the next election I think the Dems will keep what they have in the GA. The big question is the Gov; will there be a different Dem Gov (likely) or will there be a viabale GOP candidate (less likely)?
- Eilean left - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:09 am:
Where will all of the Senate Dems sit in the chamber? Perhaps next to their Repub collegues so they can vote their switches also.
- circularfiringsquad - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:09 am:
Clearly Forby should flip…announce for minority leader….he only needs 9 others:)
- OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:09 am:
47th…
Good one.
- Lester Holt's Mustache - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:11 am:
Yes, TooManyJens is right! You should totally give the people more thoughts on rape. Female voters completely admire elderly male politicians not compromising their , um, beliefs and stuff. Oh, and this whole day was caused by voter fraud.
You know what else? NOT ENOUGH SARAH PALIN. You guys should totally get her back from Alaska and put her on TV stations not named Fox news more often. She could have gotten you even more white male voters, but nooooooo - you just had to go and leave her in Wasilla, didn’t you?
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:12 am:
western illinois @ 9:43 am:
Actually, I just made that point on the phone to my mom a couple of minutes ago. They could wait and run it through early in the next GA, maybe easier. Depends on whether they want to try to pick up some GOP votes so it has a bit of “bi-partisan” cover … it will all be about the sound bites for the next campaign.
- walkinfool - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:13 am:
Big winners across the state: Madigan-trained DPI staffers.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:19 am:
Time for the Republican Party to sober up (me too, but that’s not as important).
The GOP had no business losing this election, not with this dreary economy. The fact of the matter is that today’s GOP is too extreme for most of America, especially the Yankees.
Gov. Romney would have been a heck of a president — if he didn’t have to reject everything he stood for to get the GOP nomination.
The GOP cast out Lugar for Mourdock. That’s insane.
Come back to your Midwestern roots, GOP. The country needs you.
- walkinfool - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:28 am:
Strangely, I agree with Bill. I think the Speaker is more comfortable and effective with simple majorities.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:31 am:
wordslinger
truth…
- capncrunch - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:33 am:
No excuse now for not getting anything done in Springfield.
- k3 - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:34 am:
Kate freaking Cloonen!!!
- Cyclops - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:35 am:
IL GOP/Tom Cross: That whole “Fire Madigan” thing didn’t work out so well. Perhaps a new strategy shall be in the works to make yourselves relevant? Or maybe Pat Brady’s unhealthy obsession with the Speaker is just too strong. I guess we’ll see in the coming weeks and months.
Tribune edit board/John Kass: I guess this means that voters just don’t give a flip about your thoughts on life and politics, much of them based on your own unhealthy obsession with the Speaker. Get over yourselves or go away. Better yet, do both.
Kathleen Willis staff: Phenomenal job. You earned every ounce of this victory and your hard work paid off huge. Many, many people are eating a lot of crow right now.
- Ty Sticks - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 10:42 am:
I’m moving to the State of washington, thanks to the voters approving cannabis for recreational purposes. Washington was also the first state to implement “budgeting for results”, maybe they have something going on our there.
- Harry Chronic Jr - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 11:06 am:
I prefer Colorado, that’s where I’m moving.
- Colossus - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 11:33 am:
OR Measure 80 would have been nice to see pass, as it was by far the most generous of the 3 marijuana measures. I’m ecstatic with 2 out of 3 though.
I think it’s time for us to live up to our Major State status and get, at bare mimimum, medical marijuana passed next year. Hell, during Veto if we can. Or just pick up the text to CO’s law, scribble in “Illinois” and put it up for a vote.
The times, they are a changin’.
- Robo - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 2:19 pm:
-DuPage County
Barack Obama D 197411 49.57%
Mitt Romney R 193333 48.54%
What is going on?-
Bigtwitch, Cook County was once a GOP stronghold too…a long, long time ago in a galaxy far away.
- Ruby - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 2:42 pm:
Mitt Romney threw away the election the day he chose the ultra conservative Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential running mate. Ryan is opposed to Medicare, Social Security, Teacher’s Unions and Women’s rights. He lost a lot of votes and for the Republican Party.
- amalia - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 2:47 pm:
why do Republicans even run…they don’t like government!
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 3:14 pm:
Once again, Nate Silver called them all just about right. The dude knows his math.
Unlike buffoons such as Dick Morris and Karl Rove who kept calling a GOP landslide until the end.
By the way, Cincy, you’ll let us know when Romney hits 53% and the Ohio provisionals are counted?
- Logic not emotion - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 3:38 pm:
I’m not surprised at the election results. I am disappointed though. For some strange reason, the most liberal states and the nation under liberal leadership seem to be in much more dire economic conditions. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
This state and nation continue to plunge into worse financial conditions and then have voters reward them. Mind boggling concept to an old idealist. I think the results clearly show that voters apparently don’t really care about incompetence or corruption in their public officials. It was widely known that Ryan and Blagojevich were both corrupt before their second term and they were reelected. Now we have Smith and others proving it wasn’t a fluke.
I believe it was JFK who did the “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” to appeal to patriotism and altruism.
My impression is that we as a state and as a nation are now firmly on the opposite track and that causes me great anxiety for the future of this nation.
- Paul Lyin - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 3:44 pm:
amalia,
We want to eliminate government. Everything should and will eventually be enterprise/free market. We will have for profit schools, for profit social security, for profit roads, for profit everything. Muah-ha-ha-ha-ah….excellent.
- Paul Lyin - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 3:58 pm:
We will keep government, only the department of defense, so we can continue to spend trilions of dollars which will continue to make our campaign contributors rich who will also continue to fuel the tea party movement. If we have to, we will create another foreign issue that will be addressed by military intervention. Mu-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
- amalia - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 11:49 pm:
Dear Paul Lyin, and I thought Halloween was last week!